Functional Medicine

Some of the recent discussions made me look this up: I think this is the future - or hope it is. The way we do things now is just way to costly on society. This is not new or revolutionary.
A lot of docs practice this way....
What we need is to get insurance companies to support this more and the system to give docs more time to do this as many general docs simply have 15 min or so per pts.

Not only the recent discussion we had about this sparked this on my end but also my women health exam 2 days ago where my gynecologist saw me 1.5 h after my appt was actually due.
I dont mind - she takes all the time she needs. It was 7pm and she had still several pts to go! She believes in having that solid discussion, no matter what time it takes (I am not sure her nurses liked it but I rather wait 1.5 h and get solid time to talk to her and not 15 min fast :bu the book" exam. I love her!!!!!

http://www.functionalmedicine.org/about/whatisfm/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Functional_medicine


Functional medicine addresses the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership. It is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
WHY DO WE NEED FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE?
Our society is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of people who suffer from complex, chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, mental illness, and autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis.
The system of medicine practiced by most physicians is oriented toward acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of trauma or illness that is of short duration and in need of urgent care, such as appendicitis or a broken leg. Physicians apply specific, prescribed treatments such as drugs or surgery that aim to treat the immediate problem or symptom.
Unfortunately, the acute-care approach to medicine lacks the proper methodology and tools for preventing and treating complex, chronic disease. In most cases it does not take into account the unique genetic makeup of each individual or factors such as environmental exposures to toxins and the aspects of today’s lifestyle that have a direct influence on the rise in chronic disease in modern Western society.
There’s a huge gap between research and the way doctors practice. The gap between emerging research in basic sciences and integration into medical practice is enormous—as long as 50 years—particularly in the area of complex, chronic illness.
Most physicians are not adequately trained to assess the underlying causes of complex, chronic disease and to apply strategies such as nutrition, diet, and exercise to both treat and prevent these illnesses in their patients.
HOW IS FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE DIFFERENT?
Functional medicine involves understanding the origins, prevention, and treatment of complex, chronic disease. Hallmarks of a functional medicine approach include:
Patient-centered care. The focus of functional medicine is on patient-centered care, promoting health as a positive vitality, beyond just the absence of disease. By listening to the patient and learning his or her story, the practitioner brings the patient into the discovery process and tailors treatments that address the individual’s unique needs.
An integrative, science-based healthcare approach. Functional medicine practitioners look “upstream” to consider the complex web of interactions in the patient’s history, physiology, and lifestyle that can lead to illness. The unique genetic makeup of each patient is considered, along with both internal (mind, body, and spirit) and external (physical and social environment) factors that affect total functioning.
Integrating best medical practices. Functional medicine integrates traditional Western medical practices with what is sometimes considered “alternative” or “integrative” medicine, creating a focus on prevention through nutrition, diet, and exercise; use of the latest laboratory testing and other diagnostic techniques; and prescribed combinations of drugs and/or botanical medicines, supplements, therapeutic diets, detoxification programs, or stress-management techniques.

 

Well said my friend

 

This is the way medicine should always be practiced, imo. However, it would probably be so darn expensive that few could afford it anyway.

 

It sounds good but I cannot ever see it happening. To get insurance on board with this would mean the cost will be passed on to the insured/patient. People wouldn't accept that imo. A lot of people in this country don't even have coverage to get the most basic of care much less the gold standard this would be.

I smile at you waiting 1.5 hours. Sometimes it's like that for me but yet they book every 15 minutes so really they aren't managing their appointments at realistic intervals??!! I hate when they call you out of the waiting room put you in an examining room to pacify you....because then you feel you are closer to being seen. Really they have just re-positioned you to wait even MORE.

 

Functional Medicine has existed in one form or another for centuries, e.g. Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.. I'm a huge fan of addressing the underlying cause - why throw a bandaid on something when you can find the source and stop the bleed? Great article FG.

Thankfully a lot of physicians are already practicing like this (at least in my experience, in Canada).